Freebooter (comics)

Freebooter
Freebooter.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	A-Next vol. 1 #4 (1999)
Created by	Tom DeFalco Brent Anderson
In-story information
Alter ego	Brandon Cross
Team affiliations	A-Next Dream Team
Abilities	Highly skilled with swords, staffs, and archery equipment.

Freebooter (Brandon Cross) is a fictional character who appeared in the Marvel Comics' series A-Next.

Fictional character biography

Brandon Cross was a protege of Hawkeye and Swordsman. He was invited to join the "Dream Team" of new Avengers who were going to become members of A-Next. Donning a Hawkeye-like costume, he assumed the guise of the roguish Freebooter.

Freebooter quickly displayed a tendency to be a "ladies' man" and poured on the charm for teammate Stinger and found her totally unreceptive to him. Stinger was outraged that new Avengers were being added to the team without her knowledge or permission, and felt no desire to fraternize with the new recruits (especially Freebooter), but in due time Freebooter's fighting skills earned her respect, and his heroic, chivalrous nature her affections. He became a valuable member of the team, but tragedy struck when his close friend and fellow "Dream Teamer" Crimson Curse was killed in the line of duty. Freebooter lost his carefree attitude and became more withdrawn, but he still fought the forces of evil in her honor.

During the events of Last Planet Standing, Freebooter was badly injured, but received help from the former villain Sabreclaw, whom he later convinced to join A-Next while he was recuperating.

Freebooter later returns to active Avengers duty.

Powers and abilities

Freebooter has no powers, but has outstanding swordsmanship skills and is an expert archer. His weapon of choice is a retractable bo staff.